122 HAEDKNOT CAMP 



towers at each angle of the camp, have been finished 

 with coigns of red freestone. This freestone, which 

 must have been sea-borne to Ravenglass, for the rock 

 of the district is metamorphic Silurian with intrusive 

 granite, unfortunately has been the cause of much 

 damage to the buildings, which have been pillaged for 

 generations for material to sharpen scythes. 



Within the enclosure remain the ruined walls of the 

 prsetorium and other extensive buildings, showing that 

 Hardknot has been a stationary summer camp. Out- 

 side the camp, beside the praetorian gate, a small 

 circular temple has been exposed by digging, as well 

 as a tavern beside a well, where no doubt the thirsty 

 legionaries diluted their rations of heady Gaulish wine. 

 Excavation of the flanking towers produced several 

 spear-heads, immense quantities of broken pottery, and 

 a ring carved in intaglio. Altogether, Hardknot re- 

 mains one of the best preserved Roman fortifications in 

 Britain. It may have been garrisoned by a cohort of 

 four hundred and twenty legionaries, besides which there 

 was accommodation for about fifteen hundred native 

 auxiliaries, brought there for the summer training. 



Not the least interesting feature in connection with 

 it is a campus tnartius higher up the mountain side. 

 Here a space of about sixty acres has been cleared of 

 stones, terraced and levelled, forming a smooth lawn, 

 in striking contrast to the rugged wilderness around. 

 At one corner of it is an immense cairn, the burial- 

 place probably of some British brave; and over all 

 tower the dark crags of Hardknot Fell. All is silent 



